When I first got my 99 TJ (about 2 months ago) the stock gas tank skidplate was super rusty. I thought I was going to have to buy a new skidplate which was really disheartening because they are expensive, and I'm on a budget. So I crawled under the Jeep with a sander and a wire brush and went to town on the rust. I knocked it all off and realized that what was left was perfectly acceptable. I sprayed it with black rustoleum and the result was better than stock. I only go down forest trails and mud holes. I see few rocks so I don't need a heavy duty skidplate. This fix is cheap and makes a big difference in the looks.

Ours is rusted so bad, it's almost non existent. I'd like to remove the plate and use straps only since we're not going off road now, or for a while yet, but I'm told that's not an option? Like you, I have other things to fix and the budget is limited. Not really fond of having to buy a pc of metal, used, for $140! Suggestion? (PS - ours is being held up by a nylon ratcheting strap as well! 2 of them!)

To me the skidplate is one of those "out of sight, out of mind" sort of pieces, so I was thinking of just buying a smallish section of sheet metal and welding it over the holes. Disregarding the fact it would look kinda goofy, would this be acceptable for a vehicle that would be taken to the dunes maybe once, twice a year? I'm not really thrilled about going out and spending over 100 bucks for one of these things, especially when it's probably just gonna rust through again